Lawn mower



.Sept. 21, 1943. 'R'w. sPEIsER LAWN MOWER Filed April 28, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 9 7 m r .m 1 I m w 1 w 4 J Z W nlv 5. In 6M 3 w 5 i 7 u H Ill i l, I

- INVENTOR LPH SPE ER BY my, In. ATTORNEYS P 1943- R'. w. SPEISER 2,329,952

LAW N MOWER Filed April 28, 1941 s sheetsrsheet s v INVENTOR 5: H616 V RALPH .SPEI ER FM M 9-H ATTORNEYS Patented Sept. 21, 1943 LAWN MOWER Ralph W. Speiser, Minneapolis, Minn assignor to Tom Manufacturing Corporation of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn.,

Minnesota a corporation of Application April 28, 1941, Serial No. 390,789

9 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in lawn mowers and more particularly to a power mower of the character com monly known as a walk-type mower.

An important object of the invention resides in the provision of a mower which is highly eflicient in operation, is sturdy and rugged in construction, and comparatively light in weight, whereby it may be conveniently operated with a minimum of effort.

A further object of the invention is to provide a lawn mower comprising a traction unit and a mowing unit coupled together by a pivotal connection whereby the traction and cutting units are adapted for independent rocking movement in a direction transverse to the traveling movement of the mower, whereby the traction wheels and cutting unit may freely follow the contour of the ground.

A further object is to provide a mower of the character disclosed comprising a power unit having suitable traction wheels, and a cutting unit having a pivotal connection with the power unit and carrying a motor having a flexible drive for imparting power to the traction wheels, and a flexible drive for driving the reel of the cutting unit, s aid flexible drives being so arranged that the power and cutting units are free to rock transversely with respect to each other, whereby said units may follow the contour of the ground independently of each other, without aflectlng the operation of said flexible drives.

A further object is to provide a power operated lawn mower comprising a power unit and a mowing or cutting unit, and the connection between the power and mowing units being such that the power unit may be said to float or oscillate with respect to the mowing unit, whereby the traction wheels thereof may follow the contour of the ground without imparting lateral tilting movements to the cutting units, and the connection between the power and cutting units also being such that the power unit may be locked against lateral tilting movement with respect to the mowing unit, when so desired.

A further object is to provide a power operated mower of the class described, comprising a power unit having a mowing unit operatively connectedthereto and provided with a forwardly extending frame adapted to support a motor, whereby the major portion of the Weight of the motor will be carried by the traction wheels of the traction unit, and the motor having independent flexible driving connections with the traction wheels of the power unit and the cutting reel of the mowing unit, and means being provided for independently controlling the operations of said flexible drives, and the motor being so arranged on the apparatus as to properlybalance the weight thereof on the supporting roller of the mowing unit and the traction wheels of the power unit, whereby the mower may be operated with a minimum of eflort.

Other objects reside in the specific construction of the means for coupling the mowing unit to the traction unit, which provides in effect, a universal connection; in the means provided for vertically adjusting the cutting reel with respect to the ground, and whereby the position of the bed knife of the mowing unit may be properly maintained with respect to the ground, regardless of the vertical adjustment of the bed knife relative to the ground surface; in the simple means provided for locking the traction wheel axle housing against transverse rocking movement with respect to the mowing unit; in the unique arrangement of the linkage mechanism for con;

trolling the operations of the flexible drives,

, whereby wear to the operating parts of said drives is reduced to a minimum; in the simple and inexpensive construction of the entire appa ratus, whereby it ,may be manufactured iatiaa minimum cost; and, in the novel construction and arrangement of the flexible drives, whereby if desired, the motor may be removed from the "apparatus and the mower operated as a handpowered mower, the reel being driven from the traction wheels through said flexible drives.

Other objects of the invention will appear from the following description and accompanying drawings and will be pointed out in the annexed claims.

In the accompanying drawings there has been disclosed a structure designed to carry out the various objects of the invention, but it is to be understood that the invention is not confined to the exact features shown as various changes may be made within the scope of the claims which follow. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improved walk-type power mower;

Figure 2 is a sectional View on the line 2-2 of Figure 6, with some of the parts omitted, showing the universal connection between the traction and cutting units;

Figure 3 is a front elevation of Figure 1, with the guiding handle removed, and showing the traction unit disposed at an angle to the cutting unit;

Figure 4 is a detail sectional view on the line 44 of Figure 3, showing the drive for the reel and the means for controlling the operation thereof;

Figure 5 is a view substantially on the line 5-5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a plan view of Figure 1, with the motor removed;

Figure '7 is a detail sectional view on the line of Figure 6, showing the drive for the traction unit and the means for controlling the operation thereof;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view of the parts shown in Figure 7, illustrating the movements of such parts; and

Figure 9 is an isometric view showing the means for locking the traction unit against transverse rocking movement with respect to the cutting unit.

The novel walk type power mower herein disclosed is shown comprising a mower unit and a traction unit, generally designated by the numerals l and II, respectively, which are pivotally connected together to provide a unitary structure, and whereby the traction and cutting units are adapted for transverse rocking movement independently of one another in a direction transverse to the line of travel of the apparatus, whereby said units may follow the contour of the ground when the apparatus is in operation.

Cutting unit The cutting unit I0 is somewhat similar in construction to the one shown and described in my co-pending application, Serial No. 355,171, filed September 3, 1940, and therefore need not be described in detail in the present application. A cutting unit of this type is dependent upon other means to maintain the spaced relation between its cutting means and the ground, and in the present application, such a supporting means is provided by the traction unit H, to which the forward portion of the cutting unit In is connected, as will subsequently be described.

The cutting unit comprises a welded frame structure including end plates l4 and I5 secured together in spaced relation by tubular cross members l6 and I1. The ends of the members l6 and H are preferably provided with annular shoulders, not shown in the drawings, and said shouldered ends are received in openings I8 and I9 provided in the end plates, as shown in Figure 1 The ends of the members I6 and H are welded to the end plates l4 and 5, whereby a very sturdy, light weight frame structure is provided for supporting the cutting means.

The cutting means is shown comprising a reel 2| having a shaft 22 mounted for rotation in suitable bearings 23 and 24, detachably secured to the end plates I4 and I5, respectively, by suitable bolts 25, whereby the reel 2| with its shaft and the bearings 23 and 24, may be removed as a unit from the cutting unit frame by removal of the bolts 25, it being understood that the bearing housings 23 and 24 are received in notches cut in the forwardly directed edges 26 of the end plates l4 and I5.

The reel 2| is mounted in operative relation to a bed knife 21 having its forwardly directed cutting edge 28 arranged in cutting relation to the periphery of the reel, as clearly illustrated in Figure 2. The bed knife 21 is shown secured to a supporting bar 29 by suitable screws 30 spaced apart lengthwise of the supporting bar. The supporting bar 29 is preferably V-shaped in cross section, as shown in Figure 2, and is provided at its ends with suitable lugs 3| adapted to be secured to inwardly turned flanges or lugs 32 provided on the end plates l4 and [5, by means of suitable screws or bolts 33. Disk-like elements 34 are interposed between the lugs 3| and 32, and are received in cylindrical recesses provided in the adjacent surfaces of the lugs 3| and 32, whereby the lugs 3| and 32 are normally spaced apart, as shown in Figure 1. The disk-like elements 34 provide, in effect, fulcrums about which the supporting bar 29 may be rotated to adjust the cutting edge 28 of the bed plate 21 with respect to the periphery of the reel 2|. Such ad- Justment of the bed knife may be conveniently accomplished by manipulation of the screws 33. The disks 34, in addition to providing fulcrums for the supporting bar 23, also serve to prevent endwise movement of the supporting bar with respect to the end plates l4 and |5.

The rear portion of the cutting'unit I0 is supported by a suitable ground engaging member, generally designated by the numeral 35, which may be composed of a plurality of relatively short roller sections axially alined on a shaft or axle 36, having its end portions supported in suitable brackets 31. The brackets 31 are ad- Justably secured in vertical guides 38 provided in the rear portions of the side plates I4 and I5 of the cutting unit frame, as best shown in Figures 1 and 2. Each bracket 3'! has a slot 39 adapted to receive bolts 4| provided in the end plates and whereby the brackets 31 may be secured to their respective end plates, as will readily be understood by reference to Figures 1 and 2. The adjustability of the brackets 31 in the end plates I4 and I5 permits the reel and bed knife to be vertically adjusted with respect to the ground. The supporting roller 35 is made sectional to facilitate turning movement of the mower.

A suitable guard 42 is provided at each end of the reel 2| to prevent the ends of the reel from impinging against stones or digging into the turf. The rear ends of the guards 42 are supported by brackets 43 having their lower ends welded to their respective guards and each having its upper end engaged with one of the bolts 25 securing the reel bearings 23 and 24 to the end plates. The upper ends of the reel guards 42 are shown provided with rearwardly extending brackets or lugs 44 adapted to be secured to the front tubular cross member l6 of the mower unit frame by suitable bolts 45, as will be seen by reference to Figure 1.

A suitable grass shield, generally designated by the numeral 46, is provided for enclosing the upper portion of the reel 2|, and is shown having its forward marginal edge portion secured to the cross member |6 by the bolt 45. Suitable reinforcing bars 48 are provided at the ends of the shield 46, as shown in Figure 6, and have their forward ends secured in position by the bolts 45, which pass through alined apertures in the reinforcing bars 48, shield 46, tubular member l6 and lugs 44 of the reel guards 42, whereby all of said parts are suitably secured together by said bolts. Similar bolts 49.secure the shield to the rear tubular cross member H, as shown in Figures 2 and 6.

A pair of spaced parallel bars 5| and 52 are secured to the cross members l6 and ll of the cutting unit In by suitable bolts 53, and extend forwardly of the cross member I6 and have oppositely disposed depending angle brackets 54 and 55 secured thereto by such means as bolts 55. The bars 5| and 52, as clearly illustrated in Figure 6, are disposed on top of the shield 46, whereby they also reinforce or strengthen the shield, as will readily be understood.

Traction unit The traction unit, as best shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 6, comprises an axle housing 51 having an axle 58 mounted therein. A traction wheel 59 is secured to one end of the axle 58, and the other end of the axle is connected to a suitable differential, generally designated by the numeral 8|. traction wheel 60.

An important feature of the present invention resides in the novel construction of the means for pivotally coupling or connecting the forward end of the cutting unit It to-the traction unit whereby said units are free to rock transversely .to the direction of travel, independently of one another. To thus connect the cutting unit to the traction unit, a U-shaped bar 62 is shown suitably secured to the axle housing 51 by such means as welding. A rod 64 is journaled in the upwardly turned ends 63 of the bar 62 and forms the-pivot axis about which the traction unit swings or rocks transversely of the cutting unit ID. A member 61 has its end portions journaled in the depending legs or flanges 68 and 69 of the angle brackets 54 and 55, respectively, as shown in Figure 6. Laterally extending lugs 65 and 66 are secured to the member 61 and have bearing apertures therein for receiving the rod 64. The lugs 65 and 66 are so spaced apart on the member 61 as to fit between the legs 68 and 69 of the angle brackets 54 and 55, whereby said legs prevent endwise movement of the member 61. Endwise movement of the rod 64 is also prevented by the legs 68 and 69, as the rod 64 is normally positioned above the lower edges of the legs 68 and 69, as clearly shown in Figure 3. The member 61 and rod 64 may be removed by detaching the front angle bracket 55 from the bars and 52. A portion of the under side of the member 61 may be cut away over the axle housing 51, as indicated at 50 in Figure 3, to provide adequate clearance for the relative rocking movement of the axle housing.

By connecting the forward end of the cutting unit ID to the axle housing 51 of the traction unit II, as above described, it will be noted that the housing 51 is free to rock about the axis of the pin or rod 64, which is disposed in a direction parallel to the line of rtravel of the apparatus.

The diiferential is operatively secured to a The member 61 is locked against rotation by means of a screw 1| received in one of two apertures 12 or 13 provided in the depending leg 69 of the front angle bracket 55. The screw 1| is received in threaded engagement with the lug or arm 66 of the member 61. By the provision of the vertically spaced apertures 12 and 13, it will be noted that the forward end of the cutting unit is vertically adjustable on the traction unit II by shifting the screw or bolt H from one hole to the other. In other words, in the structure as shown in Figure 3, the forward end of the cutting unit is shown supported on the axle housing 51 in its lowest position. By removing the screw 1| from the upper aperture 12 and elevating the forward end of the cutting unit until the aperture 13 is alined with the threaded aperture in the lug or arm 66, and then inserting the screw in the aperture 13, the forward end of the cutting unit may be vertically adjusted on the axle housing 51, as will be readily undercally adjustable on the frame of the cutting unit to raise or lower the rear endof said frame about the axis of the axle 58. Thus, by the cooperative use of the front and rear vertical adjustments, above referred to, it is possible to raise the cutting reel 2| and bed knife 21 a considerable distance above the ground, and yet maintain the movement of the axle housing with respect to the cutting unit. Such means is best shown in Figure 9 and comprises an L-shaped bolt or rod 14 having a lower right angle portion 15 received in one of a pair of vertically spaced apertures 16 provided in a forwardly extending lug 11, shown welded to the axle housing 51, as best illustrated in Figure 9. The upper end portion of they rod 14 is threaded, and a short tubular member 18 is mounted thereon and secured in position by clamping nuts 19. The tubular member 18 is movably received in an apenture 8| prov ded in the horizontal web of the angle bracket 55. Suitable abutment =washers 82 are seated against the ends of the tubular member 18 and l mit longitudinal movement of the tubular member 18 in the aperture 8|, thereby to limit the transverse rocking or oscillatory movement of the axle housing 51 with respect to the cutting unit l0. I

In some instances, it may be found desirable to lock the axlehousing 51 against such transverse rocking movement. Means is therefore provided for thus locking the housing 51 against relative rocking movement, and is shown comprising a lock lever, generally designated by the numeral 83. This lever is shown comprising upper and lower members 84 and 85, respectively, secured to an arm 86 having one end pivoted to the forwardly extending bar 5| of the cutting unit frame by a suitable pivot bolt 81, as shown in Figures 6 and 9. The arm 86 is disposed in the plane of the upper web of the angle bracket 55, and is of substantially the same thickness, whereby when the arm 83 is swung into operative relation with the rod 14, as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 6, the horizontal web of the angle bracket 55 will be received between the members 84 and 85 of the lever 83, as will readily be understood by reference to Figure 9. The members 84 and 85 are provided with alined semi-cylindrical recesses 88 adapted to receive the tubular member 18 secured to the rod 14. The members 84 and 85 are of such size that when moved into position in engagement with the tubular member 18, they will substantially fill the gaps between the upperand lower faces of the horizontal web of the angle bracket 55 and the washers 82, thereby preventing relative vertical movement of the rod 14 in the upper horizontal web of the angle bracket 55. A lock pin89 is provided for securing the lever 83 in operative position with the angle bracket55. This pin is adapted to be inserted through alined apertures 9| and 92 providedrespectively in the arm 83 and horizontal web of the angle bracket 55. The lock pin is preferably inseparably secured to the arm 83 by such means asa chain 93. When the lock lever 83 is swung into operative engagement with the angle bracket 55', as above stated, the axle housing 51 will be locked against relative rocking movement, where- 'Ihis is a highly desirable feature inasby the cutting and traction units become fixed with respect to one another.

Power unit or motor The mower, as shown in Figure 1, is propelled by a suitable motor 90, shown mounted on the forwardly extending bars GI and 52 of the cutting unit frame, asclearlyillustrated in Figures 2 and 3. The motor 80 may be a conventional one or two cylinder air cooled gasoline engine, comprising a base 94 shown having laterally extending lugs 95 seated on the bars I and 52 and suitably secured thereto by bolts 96. By reference to Figures 1 and 2, it will be noted that the motor 90 is located slightly rearwardly of the axle housing 51 in such a manner that the major portion of its weight is carried by the traction wheels 59 and 60, sufilcient weight, however, being carried on the trailing roller 35 to hold said roller in firm contact with the ground in the operation of the mower. It will also be noted by reference to Figures 3 and 6, that the motor 90 is shown mounted slightly to the right of the longitudinal centerline of the mower, whereby its weight will counterbalance the weight of the traction wheel and reel driving mechanisms which, it will be noted, are located at the left hand side of the mower. In other words, the motor is so located with respect to the driving mechanisms that the combined weights of the motor and driving mechanisms will be substantially uniformly distributed on the two traction wheels, it being understood that a portion of such weight maybe transmitted to the trailing roller 35. The motor 90 may be readily removed from the mower as a unit by simply removing the screws or bolts 96 and disconnecting it from the driving mechanism, subsequently to be described.

Traction wheel drive The means for driving the traction wheels is shown comprising a drive pulley 91 secured to the power out-put shaft 98 of a suitable speed reducer, generally indicated by the numeral 99. The speed reducer is connected to the usual crank shaft of the motor in the conventional manner.

A suitable belt I M has a running connection with the pulley 91 and with a pulley I02, shown secured to one end of a short countershaft I03 mounted in a suitable bearing bracket I04 comprising a post or upright member I05 having opposed lugs I06 seated upon and secured to a U-shaped member I01 by bolts I08. The U- shaped member I01 is pivotally mounted on spaced lugs I09 by a pivot shaft or rod I I0. The lugs I09 are welded or otherwise secured to the axle housing 51. A small sprocket I II is secured to the opposite end of the countershaft I03 and is shown having a suitable chain II2 operatively connecting it to a relatively larger differential sprocket II3, forming a part of the differential 5|. The bearing bracket I04 supports the countershaft I03 in spaced parallel relation to the axle housing 51, as will readily be understood by reference to Figures 3, 6, and '1, whereby the roller chain I I2 is maintained under proper tension to provide a driving connection between the countershaft I03 and axle 58.

Because of the pulley I02 being carried directly on the axle housing 51, which is mounted for transverse rocking movement with respect to the cutting unit I0, the spacing between the centers of the pulleys 91 and I02 has a tendency to vary, as a result of the relative up-and-down movement of the pulley I02 which, if permitted beyond a certain extent, may greatly affect the driving connection between the pulleys 91 and I02. To counteract this tendency, the traction drive control linkage, shown in Figure 'I and diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 8, is so arranged as to maintain the lower run of belt IOI substantially uniformly taut. regardless of the transverse rocking movement of the axle housing with respect to the cutting unit, when the traction wheels 59 and 60 are being driven by the belt M to propel the mower.

To thus prevent the spacing between the axes of the pulleys 91 and I02 from varying beyond certain limits, the pivot I20 of the bell crank I I8, to the leg I I1 of which the upper end of the connecting rod H5 is pivotally connected, is located substantially in the pitch line I00 of pulley 91, at the point where the lower run of the belt IOI enters the groove of pulley 91, as diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 8, it being understood that the lower run of the belt is taut, when the belt is rotated in a direction to propel the mower forwardly. The pivot 10 of the opposite end of the link H5 is desirably located adjacent to the bearings I04, as shown in Figure 7.

Referring now to Figure 8, let it be assumed that the countershaft I03 will move along an arc CC concentric with the axis of the drive shaft 98, as the countershaft pivot H0 is rocked through its limited range H0 and H0" along the are 3-3, which is concentric with the axis A-A of the axle housing 51, shown in Figure 8, and also in Figures 2 and '7.

Since the distance between the countershaft I03 and pivot shaft or rod IIO, which is arbitrarily determined by the dimensions of the countershaft bracket I05, is such as to provide clearance between the pulley I02 and tubular bearing member I04, the extreme positions I03 and I03" of countershaft I03 on the arc CC will be substantially equally distant from the points H0 and H0", respectively. Accordingly, the desired pivotal connection of link I I5 with hearing bracket I05 will be adjacent to the bearing I04, as clearly illustrated in Figures '1 and 8 which, as indicated in Figure 8, will move along an arc DD, concentric with the axis of pivot I20, between the limits indicated at 10' and 10".

Thus, by arranging the pivots 10, H0, and I23 substantially as above stated, the spacing between the axes of pulleys 91 and I02, is maintained substantially constant, regardless of the rocking movement of the axle housing 51, whereby the driving connection between the pulleys 91 and I02 is not affected.

Traction drive control means The means for controlling the driving connection between the drive pulley 91 and the differential sprocket H2 is best shown in Figure 7, and comprises a toggle mechanism, including a connecting rod II5 having one end pivoted at 10 to the upper portion of the bearing bracket I04. .A suitable clevis H6 is secured to the opposite end of the rod H5 and has a pivot connecting it to a leg II1 of a bell crank II8 supported on a pivot I20 mounted at the upper end of a relatively fixed arm or bracket II9, having its lower end suitably secured to the tubular cross member I6 of the cutting unit frame, as by welding. The other leg I2I of the bell crank II8 has one end of a suitable operating rod I22 pivotally connected thereto, as indicated at I30 in Figure 7.

The arm II1 of the bell crank H8 is shown provided with a forwardly extending V-shaped which is firmly secured to the drive pulley 91- terminal, the tip of which extends below and beyond the fork of the clevis II 6, whereby it may engage the clevis and limit further rotation of the bell crank, when the pivot 80 has been moved to an "over center" position, shown in Figure 7, whereby the belt I is rendered operative to transmit power from the pulley 91 to the pulley I02. An abutment screw I23 is adjustably mounted in a lug I24provided on the lower portion of the arm I" of the bell crank H3. The abutment screw is adapted to engage the bracket or post I29 to limit swinging movement of the bell crank in a direction to release the tension in the belt IOI, and also to prevent contact between the pulleys 91 and I02, as will readily be understood by reference to Figure '7. A suitable spring I25 has one end connected to the bearing bracket I05, as, for example, to the cotter pin I26 provided in the offset end of the connecting rod H5. The opposite end of the spring I25 is shown connected to a clip I2I which may be secured to the tubular frame member I6. The spring I 25 normally holds the pulley I02 in the dotted line position shown in Figure '7, when the toggle mechanism is positioned to release the tension in the belt IOI.

The belt IOI may havea tendency to assume a circular shape, when loosened, and when in such condition, may grip the pulleys with suflicient friction to drive the pulley I02. To prevent such driving of the pulley I02 when the tension in the belt is released, a U-shaped belt guide, generally designated by the numeral I28, is shown having its spaced legs I29 arranged above and below the upper and lower belt runs, as clearly illustrated in Figure 7. The legs I29 prevent the belt runs from bowing outwardly, when the tension therein is released, whereby the belt will not grip the pulleys with suflicient friction to drive the pulley I02. The belt guide I28 may be welded to a bracket I3I, shown bolted to the housing of the gear reducer 99 by such means as bolts I 32, shown in Figure 3. 4

The length of the connecting rod I I5 is important in that it determines the center to center distance between the pulleys 91 and I02. The length of the connecting rod H5 is so adjusted that when in the full line position shown in Figure 7, the pulleys 91 and I02 will be so spaced apart as to cause the belt IOI to frictionally engage said pulleys with a driving contact, whereby power may be transmitted from the pulley 91 to the pulley I02, through the belt IOI. When the pointed terminal of the arm II! of the bell crank H8 is engaged with the bottom of the clevis II6, the connecting rod H5 is in operative position,

" the pivot 80 then being in its over center position, whereby the rod H5 is locked in its operative position. To release the tension in the belt IOI to interrupt the driving connection between the pulleys 91 and I02, the belt crank H8 is swung to the dotted line position, shown in Figure 7, whereby the bearing bracket I05 supporting the countershaft I03 is swung upwardly, or in a direction towards the drive pulley 91, thereby releasing the tension in the belt.

Reel drive The reel driving mechanism is best shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, and comprises an extension or a countershaft I33 operatively connected to the drive pulley 91 on the power take-off shaft 98 by a flexible coupling, generally designated by the numeral I34. The flexible coupling is shown comprising a flexible composition disk I35 by suitable bolts I36, in concentric relation thereto. The disk I35 is shown spaced outwardly from the adjacent face of the pulley 91 by suitable spacing collars I3I, as clearly illustrated in Figure 5. The adjacent end of the countershaft I33 may be secured to the disk I35 by a suitable coupling member, generally designated by the numeral I38, having oppositely disposed arms I 39 secured to the disk by bolts MI. The arms I39 are disposed in right angular relation to the bolts I36.

The opposite end of the countershaft I33 is shown supported in a suitable anti-friction bearing I42 mounted in a bearing retainer I43 which is pivotally supported in a yoke I44. The yoke I44 is provided with an elongated bar I45 which,

arm or bracket I46 is shown having an elongated slot I4I traversed by cap screws or bolts I48 secured to the leg I45 of the yoke I44, and whereby the leg I45 of the yoke is slidably engaged with the bracket or bar I 46. The cap screws I48 are secured against turning movement by lock nuts I48 received in threaded engagement therewith.

A suitable pulley I5I, preferably of pressed steel, is secured to the outer end of the countershaft I33. A similar pulley I52 is secured to one end of the reel shaft 22, and a belt I53 is engaged with the pulleys I 5I and I52 to transmit power from the countershaft I33 to the reel.

Control means for the reel drive To control the operation of the reel drive, means i provided for loosening and tightening the belt I53, power being transmitted from the pulley I5I tothe pulley I52 when the belt I53 is taut.

To thus control the tension of the belt I53, a toggle link, generally designated by the numeral I54, is shown having one end connected to the yoke I44 b a pivot I55. The opposite end of the toggle link has a pivot I56 connecting it to a lug I51 suitably secured to a tubular member I58. The member I 58 is pivotally supported on lugs I59 and I6I provided respectively on the tubular member I6 of the cutting um't frame and. the end plate I4 thereof, as best shown in Figure 6 The toggle link I 54, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, comprises two parts, a clevis I62 and an L-shaped rod I63 having one end received in threaded engage- .ment with the clevis I62; By thus constructing the toggle link of two parts, its overall length may be varied to accommodate the length of the belt I53.

A suitable operating arm I64 is secured to the inner end of the tubular member I58 and ha one end of a control .rod I65 connected thereto, whereby the arm I64 may be conveniently operated, as will subsequently be described. The toggle link I54 i so arranged that when the arm I64 is thrust forwardly from the position shown in Figure 4, to a position whereby the toggle link I54 will be substantially alined with the arm or lug I5'I, as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 4, the belt I53 will be under tension to transmit power from the pulley I5I to the pulley I52. Such tension is imparted to the belt I53 as a result of the tially axially alined with the power take-oil Shaft 98, as best illustrated in Figures 3 and 6. When the toggle link I54 is positioned to tension the belt I53, the clevis I62 will be positioned against the parts I45 and I46, which parts are so related to the toggle link that the pivot I58 will be positioned over the center of a line drawn through the axes of the pivots I55 and tubular member I58, whereby the toggle link is locked in belt tightening position. A suitable belt guide I68, similar to the guide I28 in Figure '7. is provided for preventing outward flexing of the runs of the belt I53, the guide I68 may be welded to the arm I45 of the yoke I44.

Controls As best shown in Figures 1 and 6, the mower is provided with a suitable guiding handle, genera-lly designated by the numeral I88, preferably formed of two steel tubes I61 and I68 having their intermediate portions welded or otherwise secured together to provide an intermediate handle portion I69. The upper portions of the tubes I61 and I68 are bent outwardly to provide handle grip portions HI and I12, which preferably are right angularly disposed with respect to the handle portion I69. The handle portions HI and I12 are substantially axially alined with each other, as clearly illustrated in Figure 6.

The lower end portions of the handle tubes I61 and I68 are bent outwardly and downwardly and have flattened terminals I13 and I14, as shown in Figure 6. The handle terminal I13 is pivotally connected to a stud I15 mounted in a lug I16 secured to the axle housing 51, as shown in Figure 6. The other flattened terminal I14 of the handle is pivotally connected to a stud I11, shown secured to the lug I89 located adjacent to the differential sprocket II3. A suitable tie member I11 is interposed between the outwardly directed portions of the lower ends of the tubes I61 and I68 and has its terminals suitably welded or otherwise secured thereto to strengthen and reinforce the handle.

The traction drive control rod I22 has its upper end slidably received in a guideplate I18 secured to the upper portion of the guiding handle, and has a hand grip or knob I19. The control rod I65 for controlling the operation of the cutting reel driving mechanism, has its upper and similarly received in the guide plate I18, but is located at the opposite side of the upper portion of the handle, as shown in Figures 1 and 6. The control rod I65 is also provided with a. hand grip or knob I8I to facilitate actuating the rod.

A connecting rod I82 is shown having a bent end portion I83 coimected to a plate I84 secured to the motor 98, as illustrated in Figure l. The opposite end of the rod I82 is received in threaded engagement with a clevis I85 having a pin I86 therein, which is slidably. received in. a slot I81 provided in an upright flange member I88 secured to the handle portion I69. The connecting rod I82 supports the operating handle I66 in a convenient position for the operator. It also permits limited swinging movement of the operating handle with respect to the mower, as will readily be understood by reference to Figure 1. when the handle is in the full line position shown in Figure 1, the mower may be tilted about the axis of the trailing roller 85, when downward pressure is brought to bear upon the handle I66.

If it is desired to lift the reel and trail roller 35 out of contact with the ground, the operating handle I68 is swung forwardly until the clevis pin I88 engages the upper end of the slot I81, after which the roller 35 may readily be lifted off the ground. The length of the slot I81 is such that under normal operating conditions,

the power and cutting units of the mower may travel over the ground surface without imparting any appreciable amount of swinging movement to the operating handle, whereby the mower may conveniently be guided by the operator. A suitable throttle lever I88 is shown mounted on the handle HI and has a. flexible connection I8I leading therefrom to the usual throttle valve of the engine carburetor, not shown.

Operation In operation, the traveling movement of the mower is controlled entirely by manipulation of the control rod I 22 which, when thrust forwardly will place the belt I8l under tension, and thereby cause the motor or engine 98 to transmit power to the countershaft I33 through the belt I8I, whereby power is transmitted to the traction wheels by the chain II3. In like manner, the operation of the reel may be controlled independently of the traction unit by manipulation of the upper control rod I65. The two drive belts I8I and I53 may thus be operated independently of one another, which is highly desirable. Also, because of the universal connection between the cutting unit I8 and power unit II, said units are free to rock about the axis AA of the bearing rod 64 and thus follow the contour of the ground independently of one another. If it is deemed desirable to prevent rocking movement of the traction and cutting units, such relative rocking movements may be dispensed with by swinging the arm 83 into operative engagement with the tubular member 18 mounted on the L-shaped rod 14, shown in Figure 9.

The novel mower herein disclosed, has been found very practical and eflicient in actual operation. It produces a. clean, smooth out because of the ability of the,cutting unit to follow the contour of the ground as a result of its universal pivotal connection with the axle housing 51 of the traction unit. If, as hereinbefore stated, it is found desirable to operate the mower by manual means only, the motor 98 may readily be removed from the structure, in which case the reel would be driven from the traction wheels, through the chain H3, and belts I8I and I53, as will readily be understood. When the mower is to be thus operated without the motor 98, means, not shown, may be provided for supporting the inner end of the countershaft I33, and the control means for the reel drive, shown in Figure 4, may be dispensed with. In other words, when the mower is propelled by the operator manually pushing it along the ground by the operating handle I66, the toggle mechanism. shown in Figure 4, for tightening and loosening the belt I53, may be entirely dispensed with, as the traction drive control means, shown in Figure 7, may be adequate for controlling the driving connection between the traction wheels 58-68 and the cutting reel 2I.

In the drawings, I have shown the cutting unit I8 as trailing the traction unit II. In some instances, however, it may be deemed more desirable to couple the traction unit to the cutting unit rearwardly thereof, in which case the cutting unit would lead the traction unit. In other words. the invention herein disclosed may be applied to mowers of either the push type or pull type, by slightly changing the arrangement of the drives and their respective control means.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that I have accomplished at least the principal objects of my invention, and it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments herein described may be variously changed and modified, without departing from the spirit of the invention, and that the invention is capableof uses and has advantages not herein specifically described; hence it will be appreciated that the herein disclosed embodiments are illustrative only, and that my invention is not limited thereto.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a mower, the combination comprising a grass cutting unit having a ground engaging support at the rear thereof, a frame fixed with respect to the cutting unit and extending a short distance forwardly therefrom, a traction assembly including an axle having wheels thereon, said assembly being positioned ahead of the cutting unit but close thereto. and a pivotal connection between a central part of the forwardly extending frame and a central part of the traction assembly, the axis of said pivotal connection being substantially in the direction of motion of the mower, whereby the traction assembly and mower unit may rock transversely withrespect to each other when the mower is progressed over uneven ground.

, 2. A mower unit of the type set forth in claim 1 further. characterized in that the ground engaging support at the rear thereof and the pivotal connection between the traction assembly and forwardly extending frame each are vertically adjustable through substantially equivalent ranges whereby the cutting unit may be moved throughout a range of level positions and thedepth of cut varied.

3. A mower unit of the type set forth in claim' 1 further characterized in that it includes an adjustable movement limiting linkage interconnecting the traction assembly and the forwardly extending frame for limiting the transverse rocking movement of the traction assembly. 4. A mower unit of the type set forth in claim '1 further characterizedin that it includes an adjustable movement limiting linkage interconnecting the traction assembly and forwardly extending frame for limiting the transverse rocking movement of the traction assembly and a manually operable lock interconnecting the traction assembly and frame for holding them substantially immovable with respect to each other.

5. A mower comprising a grass cutting unit having a ground engaging support at the rear thereof, a frame fixed with respect to the cutting unit and extending a short distance forwardly therefrom, a traction assembly comprising an axle having wheels thereon positioned ahead of the cutting unit but close thereto, a pivotal connection between a central part of the forwardly extending frame and a central part of the traction assembly the axis of said pivotal connection being substantially in the direction of motion of the mower, a motor fixedly mounted on-the forwardly extending frame above the traction assembly and power transmission mean connecting the motor and cutting units and the motor and traction wheels.

6. A mower of the type described in claim 5 further characterized in that the power transmission means connecting the motor and traction assembly comprises a counter-shaft frame having a counter-shaft thereon, said frame being mounted on the traction assembly for movement of the counter-shaft parallel to the axle of the traction assembly, said counter-shaft frame also being movable throughout a. range of positions toward ting unit and counter-shaft frame for moving th counter-shaft frame with reference to the traction assembly to maintain said belt sufficiently tight to transmit power as the traction assembly rocks transversely with respect to the forwardly extending frame.

7. A mower of the type described in claim 5 further characterized in that the power trans, mission means connecting the motor and traction assembly comprises a counter-shaft frame having a counter-shaft thereon, said frame being mounted on the traction assembly for movement of the counter-shaft parallel to the axle of the traction assembly, said counter-shaft frame also being movable throughout a range of positions toward and away from the motor, a pulley on the motor and a pulley on the counter-shaft, a belt over said pulleys, means interconnecting the cutting unit and counter-shaft frame for moving the counter-shaft frame with reference to the traction assembly to maintain said belt sufiiciently tight to transmit power as the traction assembly rocks transversely with respect to the forwardly extending frame, and manual means for moving the counter-shaft fram towards the motor pulley in an amount suiiicient to loosen the belt thereby to interrupt transmission of power from the motor to the wheels of the traction assembly.

8. A mower of the type set forth in claim 5 further characterized in that the power transmission means connecting the motor and the cutting unit comprises a shaft connected to the motor shaft thru a universal joint, a pulley on said shaft, at a point removed from the motor, a pulley on the cutting unit located in alignment with the pulley on the shaft, a belt running over said pulleys, and bracket means supporting the shaft near the pulley thereon, said bracket being manually movable from a normal position in which the shaft is held substantially aligned with the motor shaft and in which position the belt is tight and operative to transmit power to a position in which the shaft pulley is displaced out 01' line with the motor shaft toward the cutting unit pulley, in which position the belt is loosened and is inoperative to transmit power.

' mower, whereby the traction assembly and mower unit may rock transversely with respect to each other when the mower is progressed over uneven ground, a means mounted on the mower for propelling and guiding the same, a counter-shaft mounted on the forwardl extending frame and power transmitting connections between the cutting unit and the countershaft and between the axle of the traction assembly and the countershaft.

RALPH W. SPEISER. 

